- Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Candidacy is not accreditation nor does it ensure eventual accreditation. Candidate for Accreditation is a status of affiliation with the Commission which indicates that the institution has achieved initial recognition and is progressing toward accreditation. CGCC, until separate accreditation, if granted, delivers college credit instruction, certificates and degrees through its contract with Portland Community College (PCC) which is accredited through the NWCCU. Credits, certificates and degrees earned at CGCC appear on PCC transcripts and are transferable to four-year institutions, subject to the specific policies of those institutions. Columbia Gorge Community College contracts with Portland Community College for many instructional, financial aid, and student records services.
School Highlights
Columbia Gorge Community College serves 1,461 students (21% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 15:1 is lower than the state community college average of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 67% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 47%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 1,461 students
- In-state tuition: $3,636
- Out-state tuition: $3,636
- Student:teacher ratio: 15:1
- Minority enrollment: 67%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Columbia Gorge Community College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Oregon for:
School Overview
The teacher population of 98 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Columbia Gorge Community College
(OR) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-High Nontraditional
Not applicable, not in Carnegie universe (not accredited or nondegree-granting)
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Private not-for-profit
Total Faculty
98 staff
192 staff

School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Columbia Gorge Community College has grown by 89% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 15:1 has increased from 8:1 over five years.
The Columbia Gorge Community College diversity score of 0.83 is more than the state average of 0.66. The school's diversity has grown by 53% over five years.
Total Enrollment
1,461 students
729 students

Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
21:1

# Full-Time Students
310 students
310 students

# Part-Time Students
1,151 students
2,153 students



# Enrollment Undergraduate
146 students
339 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
310 students
310 students

# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
193 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,151 students
2,153 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
153 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
270 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
1%

% Asian
1%
5%

% Hispanic
25%
20%

% Black
n/a
3%

% White
33%
53%

% Hawaiian
n/a
1%

% Two or more races
2%
5%

% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
39%
11%


Diversity Score
0.83
0.66

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.1649%
0.4783%

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.5833%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$38,100
$35,200

Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $3,636 is less than the state average of $4,172. The in-state tuition has declined by 23% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $3,636 is less than the state average of $6,738. The out-state tuition has declined by 61% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$3,636
$4,172

Out-State Tuition Fees
$3,636
$6,738

% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
69%
79%

Median Debt for Graduates
$16,834
$12,875

Median Debt for Dropouts
$7,000
$6,334

Acceptance Rate
n/a
100%
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Columbia Gorge Community College cost?
Columbia Gorge Community College's tuition is approximately $3,636 for In-State students and $3,636 for Out-State students.
What is Columbia Gorge Community College's ranking?
Columbia Gorge Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Oregon for: Least expensive tuition and Diversity in US community colleges.
Recent Articles

How to Know if Community College is Right for You
A comprehensive guide examining five key factors to consider when deciding if community college is the right educational path, including cost considerations, academic performance, career-specific training, transition to independence, and schedule flexibility.

January 12, 2025
Unlocking Airport Career Opportunities: Your Guide to Ground JobsDiscover the diverse range of ground jobs at mid-size U.S. airports, their educational requirements, and how community colleges can prepare you for these exciting careers.

January 07, 2025
Adult Learners: Upgrading Your SkillsWe offer straightforward advice on identifying transferable skills, exploring job opportunities, leveraging community resources, and embracing lifelong learning. With relatable examples and encouragement, this guide aims to empower readers to navigate the job market confidently and successfully transition into new careers.